Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Columbia is 13% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,158/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 4%
$55,653/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 13%
$243,500 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 27%
$1,169/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 5%
138,019
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $7,067/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Abilene — common questions

Is Columbia or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Abilene?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $52/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Abilene?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $7,067/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Texas?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and Abilene

Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland